Traveling North of the Philippines means that you get to pass by Clark and Bataan, but they’re mostly treated as stopovers rather than destinations. Clark is known for being the old US base, while Bataan marks a tragic part of our history with the Death March.

But there really is so much more to this region than just its colonial past. We took a trip to find out what else you could do at Clark and Bataan.

(This article is sponsored by AZURE NORTH, an amazing, tropical-inspired residential project featuring a man-made beach in the heart of San Fernando, Pampanga! Developed by Century Properties who clearly know that Pampanga, with its delightful food and hospitable people, is a place really worth living in. Check it out: www.azurenorth.com.ph)

PAMPANGA is widely revered as The Culinary Capital of the Philippines. Highly acclaimed Kapampangan Chef, Claude Tayag of BALE DUTUNG and 1956 DOWNTOWN CAFÉ, believes the province’s reputation for good food is because of its history with Clark Air Base (a military facility for American and Filipino forces from 1903 to 1991).

Due to the base’s proximity from the capital city, Angeles, international goods and other ingredients became easily accessible. Thus, locals assimilated these ingredients to their cuisine and signature Kapampampangan dishes like Sisig were born.

In collaboration with the Angeles City Tourism, Team OAP traveled to Pampanga in search of the best restaurants.

Formerly called 1956DOWNTOWN CAFÉ, this retro-style eatery does not only signify Chef Claude Tayag’s date of birth, but also the era he holds dearest to him. Peace times helped build a bigger middle class and establish businesses and entertainment centers, which Kapampangans would come to refer to as Downtown.

Going “downtown” meant spending quality time with family or friends at local shopping malls, restaurants, and cinemas after Sunday mass. Now in 2016, with life more hectic and too focused on moving forward, people have forgotten the value of slowing down to embrace the past and present. In light of this, Downtown Café is a perfect way to step back and appreciate the golden years of honest Kapampangan food.

Chef Claude Tayag’s proudly Kapampangan food concept, BALE DUTUNG, is one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in Asia. Ranked as one of the best by the Miele Guide in 2009, Chef Tayag’s humble abode reached celebrity status when he was featured on AnthonyBourdain’s “No Reservations” in 2008.

Tayag was raised in Angeles City and is the 9th of 12 children–earning him the clever nickname of “Claude 9”. While his first passion was the visual arts (he is now an accomplished furniture designer and painter), Claude often observed his mother in the kitchen–picking up little bits and pieces of culinary knowhow.

It was only in 1979, after an Economics degree at UP-Clark, that Claude found himself backpacking in Europe and craving for homemade Filipino food. Living on only about $10 a day, he explored wet markets in search of cheap, alternative ingredients. Learning to experiment with food unleashed Chef Tayag’s culinary creativity and paved way to more milestones in his life such as Bale Dutung.

Ranked as one of the best Carenderias in Angeles City, MILA'shas been a household name for many Kapampangans since 1989. They were originally famous for their Tokwa't Baboy, but now they're more known for their unbelievably addicting crispy Sisig!

Sisig is a Kapampangan staple consisting of grilled, diced pork cheeks, ears, liver, onions, and even pig brain. This beloved drinking food is often credited to Lucia “Aling Lucing” Cunanan of Angeles City, who made the best of the discarded ingredients from Clark Air Base.

Due to the simplicity of the preparation and affordability of the ingredients, Sisig grew in popularity and more establishments, like MILA'S, began offering variants.

JIRO ASIA is an offshoot restaurant of the famed Jiro Izakaya Sushi Ramen (now closed)in Angeles City Pampanga. We featured Jiro last year in our 15 Places to try in Angeles City and loved their selection of authentic Ramen and Sushi Rolls.

With Jiro Asia, owner Vincent Roque brings his love for both Chinese and Japanese food under one roof.

CAFÉ FLEUR is a 3-restaurant concept reflecting Chef Sau Del Rosario’s passion for food and travel. On the ground floor is the Café that serves cakes, smoothies, and casual food. Across it is LEH-LEH, a Thai-inspired eatery; and on the topmost floor is BÂBO, a more sophisticated dining area reserved for traditional Kapampangan cuisine.

While the establishment overall has a shared menu, it’s highly recommended you try dishes according to their category. For desserts, sweet drinks, and casual meals, visit the Café; if you want Thai food, go to Leh-Leh. You can eat all Kapampangan specialties at Bâbo to complete the ambiance!

Here’s what to expect in the best restaurant in Angeles City, Pampanga!

CAFÉ FLEUR is a 3-restaurant concept reflecting Chef Sau Del Rosario’s passion for food and travel. On the ground floor is the Café that serves cakes, smoothies, and casual food. Across it is LEH-LEH, a Thai-inspired eatery; and on the topmost floor is BÂBO, a more sophisticated dining area reserved for traditional Kapampangan cuisine.

While the establishment overall has a shared menu, it’s highly recommended you try dishes according to their category. For desserts, sweet drinks, and casual meals, visit the Café; if you want Thai food, go to Leh-Leh. You can eat all Kapampangan specialties at Bâbo to complete the ambiance!

Here’s what to expect in the best restaurant in Angeles City, Pampanga!